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What a joy to combine passions; the Love of Christ and His Word along with counted cross-stitch designs! When we create, we echo the heart of our Creative God who designed everything and gave us the capacity to recognize beauty. I am a born again Christian that resides in Marshfield, Missouri with my husband Robert and our dog Phoenix. I grew up in a Christian home in Wheaton, Illinois and studied Fashion Design in Chicago, later becoming a Visual Display Director, I then managed clothing stores from the midwest to the east coast. I eventually achieved District Manager status while working in New York. I left the city and set out for Scottsdale, Arizona where much of my family had moved to, where I then formed a Sales Representative Company called Showcase Concepts (premier ideas), that specialized in better hand-crafted, gift and home decorative products. I did a lot of traveling visiting customers and exhibiting at trade shows. I met Robert in Phoenix and knew right away that he was "the one". After dating for only five months, we were married. I always thought it was silly when people would say that you would know when you met the right guy, but they were right. In God's perfect timing, we met. I liquidated my business and Robert and I bought an 18 wheeler. For over four years I traveled along with Robert, helping with loads, contacting customers and most anything travel and trucking related. I most enjoyed just being with my husband. We really grew spiritually through that time. I had been looking for a hobby to do while on the truck and bought a sampler cross-stitch kit. That first kit opened up a whole new world to me! I discovered that stitching was like painting on canvas and I started creating my own designs. As they say, "the rest is history". Joyful Expressions was officially started in the Spring of 2004 while we were living in California. The first featured products had been the 5 x 5 inch designs that fit easily into a CD case which also becomes the instant frame. All the designs feature a Bible verse and most are both fun and easy to make in just a few short evenings. Even a non stitcher can finish these patterns as there are only three stitches to learn and they are all done on 14 count aida. Over the past few years, I have been creating designs that fit into standard 5 x 7" or 8 x 10" frames so that expensive custom framing won't be necessary. A tremendous success has been the Name Blessings designs. Customers submit a name (often a grandchild), and I chart out the name, name meaning and matching Bible verse in an attractive border. I had a great job for eight years working with Bass Pro Shops as a Internet Trafficker at the corporate offices in Springfield, Missouri. I was a project coordinator working with the merchandisers, designers and marketing teams to promote products and brands on the website. I also enjoy designing and maintaining websites in my free time and maintain our church website at Calvary Chapel Springfield. I am thrilled to be nearly retired so look forward to devoting more time to Joyful Expressions by creating new designs and test stitching them, as well as spending more time keeping in touch with my loyal customers through personal emails, newsletters and promotions. A bit of trivia...We now live just off the original Route 66. I grew up in the Chicago area where the route starts and when we lived in California, the same route went through our town - sort of come full circle, so to say...My Dad tells me the day I was born he was drafted into the army. Based in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he would drive the same Route 66 back to Barrington, Illinois every leave, just to see Mom and myself! Throughout our lives there will be periods of "darkness", times of disappointments, tragedies, loss, health issues, though it may seem that God is distant and uncaring, He promises to always by our side. "as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 I went through a "difficult" time as I was diagnosed as having breast cancer. Thankfully, the cancer was found early, and was confined to a small area. The cancerous tissue was surgically removed in an outpatient procedure. As an additional precaution I had radiation treatments for 6 ½ weeks. My husband Robert has been through some serious health issues over the past 10 years. We are so thankful for the many who have lifted us up in prayer as with every "event", our Lord drew us closer to Him. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 Robert and I consider Joyful Expressions to be more a ministry then a business. Our prayer is that these simple designs will be used for God's glory. Perhaps by having the Bible verses displayed in a home or office, they will act as a "witness" and be a constant reminder of our awesome Creator and Salvation through Him! Sandra Schueller Contact Information View my Graphic Design Portfolio
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